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| The Rex Ball brings Mardi Gras to a glittering conclusion, combining music, traditional pageantry, processions, marches, and dancing. In recent years the Rex Ball has been held in New Orleans' Municipal Auditorium, as has the Comus Ball, and the meeting of the two courts is the highlight of the evening. The Rex Ball and the Meeting of the Courts are televised live on WYES-TV/Channel 12, beginning at 7:30 P.M. on Mardi Gras evening. Program hosts are Errol and Peggy Scott Laborde and Henri Schindler. |
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Marine Band
The Rex Organization has always had strong ties to the military, and many officers attend the ball in full dress uniform. A highlight of the ball is the appearance of the Marine Band, which presents an impressive musical program, including a performance of the official hymn of each military service. |
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Fanfare
The arrival of Rex and his Queen in the ballroom is announced by the fanfare of the Royal Trumpeters. |
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The Grand March
Rex and his Consort lead the court in a grand march around the ballroom. Rex 2003 was Richard West Freeman, Jr., and Shelby Scott Westfeldt was the Queen of Carnival. |
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Bowing to Royalty
Following the Grand March guests move forward in groups to pay their respects to Rex, his Queen, and their court. |
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The Rex Court
The Rex Court consists of Rex, his Queen, eight maids and eight dukes. |
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Past Rex Courts
A historical archive of past Rex Courts is now available, documenting the names of past Kings and Queens of Carnival as well as their attending Pages, Maids, and Dukes. Displayed by decade, the archive also includes themes of past Rex Processions. Visit the Rex Court Archive. |
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